If you want to drive a commercial motor vehicle, you’ll need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical before you can obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Dr. Nader Ewaida at Hope Internal Medicine & Sleep Clinic provides thorough DOT physicals and completes the paperwork to certify you’re healthy enough to carry a CDL license. To schedule your DOT physical, call the office in North Richland Hills, Texas or book an appointment online.
Anyone who wants to obtain or renew a commercial motor vehicle driver’s license must get a DOT physical. After passing your physical, Dr. Ewaida completes a medical examiner’s certificate, which shows you’re physically able to drive a commercial vehicle.
Your DOT certification is usually valid for two years. However, you may receive a license that expires sooner if you have a chronic health condition that should be monitored.
Your DOT physical is similar to a yearly checkup. Dr. Ewaida reviews your medical history, which includes asking about seizures, surgeries, and medications you may take.
Dr. Ewaida also asks whether you have a history of problems such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, stroke, and digestive problems.
During your DOT physical, you’ll be evaluated for problems that would affect your ability to sit during long drives, including an examination of your muscles, nerves, and back. Dr. Ewaida also assesses your sleep habits, especially loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.
A DOT physical exam is comprehensive. It covers every part of your body, including your skin, lungs, reflexes, gait, and genitourinary system. The DOT also requires a urinalysis and a vision and hearing test.
The good news is that most existing health conditions do not disqualify you from getting a commercial license. They’re only a concern if the condition could interfere with your ability to operate the vehicle.
If Dr. Ewaida finds physical problems in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, you can get a skill performance evaluation certificate. With this certificate, you’re allowed to drive a commercial vehicle.
These are a few examples of health conditions that may interfere with getting your CDL:
If diabetes, a history of seizures, or poor hearing and vision are a problem, you can apply for an exemption.
When you need a DOT physical for a CDL license, call Hope Internal Medicine & Sleep Clinic or book an appointment online.
